There are several causes for memory loss, the main one being anxiety, but it can also be associated with different conditions such as depression, sleep disorders, medication use, hypothyroidism, infections or neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Depending on the cause of this condition, memory loss can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as excessive sleep, irritation, body aches, a feeling of emptiness and tingling in the hands, legs or feet, for example.
Most of the causes of memory loss are preventable or reversible, with lifestyle habits such as meditation, relaxation techniques and memory training, but if in doubt, it is important to consult a neurologist or geriatrician to investigate the possible causes of the condition. memory loss and start the correct treatment.
Causes of memory loss
The main causes of memory loss and ways to treat them are:
1. Stress and anxiety
Anxiety is the main cause of memory loss, especially in young people, as moments of stress cause the activation of many neurons and regions of the brain, which makes it more confused and makes it difficult to perform even a simple task, such as remembering. of something.
For this reason, it is common to have a sudden loss of memory, or a lapse, in situations such as an oral presentation, a test or after a stressful event, for example.
How to deal with: treating anxiety returns memory to normal, which can be done with relaxing activities, such as meditation, yoga, physical exercise or psychotherapy sessions. In cases of intense and frequent anxiety, it may be necessary to use medication, such as anxiolytics, prescribed by a psychiatrist.
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2. Lack of attention
The simple lack of attention to an activity or situation makes you forget information much faster, therefore, when you are or are very distracted, it is easier to forget details such as an address, telephone number or where If you kept your keys, for example, this is not necessarily a health problem.
How to deal with: memory and concentration can be trained, with exercises and activities that activate the brain, such as reading a book, taking a new course or, simply, playing a crossword puzzle, for example. Meditation is also an exercise that stimulates and facilitates maintaining focus.
3. Depression
Depression and other psychiatric illnesses such as panic syndrome, generalized anxiety or bipolar disorder are diseases that can cause attention deficit and affect the functioning of brain neurotransmitters, being an important cause for memory impairment and can even be confused with Alzheimer’s disease.
How to deal with: treatment with antidepressants or medications advised by a psychiatrist should be started to improve symptoms. Psychotherapy is also important to assist in treatment. Understand how depression is treated.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an important cause of memory loss because, when not treated properly, it causes a slowdown in metabolism and impairs brain function.
Generally, memory loss due to hypothyroidism is accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive sleep, dry skin, brittle nails and hair, depression, difficulty concentrating and intense tiredness.
How to deal with: treatment is guided by the general practitioner or endocrinologist, with Levothyroxine, and its dose is adapted to the degree of each person’s disease. Understand how to identify and treat hypothyroidism.
5. Lack of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in vegans without nutritional support, people with malnutrition, alcoholics or people who have changes in the stomach’s absorption capacity, such as in bariatric surgery, as it is a vitamin that we acquire through a balanced diet and, preferably, with meat. . The lack of this vitamin alters brain functioning and impairs memory and reasoning.
How to deal with: replacement of this vitamin is done with balanced diet guidelines, nutritional supplements, or in case of poor absorption in the stomach, with injections of the vitamin.
6. Using anxiety medication
Some medications can cause mental confusion and impair memory, which is more common in those who frequently use sedatives, such as Diazepam and Clonazepam, for example, or it can be a side effect of medications of various types, such as anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and some medications for labyrinthitis.
These effects vary from person to person, so it is always important to report the medications used to the doctor if memory changes are suspected.
How to deal with: It is advisable to talk to your doctor about changing or discontinuing possible medications associated with memory loss.
7. Drug use
Excessive alcohol and the use of illicit drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, in addition to interfering with the level of consciousness, have a toxic effect on neurons, which can impair brain functions and memory.
How to deal with: It is important to stop using illicit drugs and consume alcohol in moderation. If this is a difficult task, there are treatments that help against chemical dependency, and are provided at the health center.
8. Sleep less than 6 hours
Changing the sleep cycle can harm memory, as the lack of daily rest, which should be, on average, 6 to 8 hours a day, makes it difficult to maintain attention and focus, in addition to impairing reasoning.
How to deal with: better sleep can be achieved with regular habits such as adopting a routine for going to bed and getting up, avoiding drinking coffee after 5pm, as well as avoiding using a cell phone or watching TV in bed. More serious cases can be treated with anxiolytic medications, advised by a psychiatrist or family doctor.
Check out the main strategies for regulating sleep and when it is necessary to use medication.
9. Alzheimer’s Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease of the brain, which occurs in the elderly, which impairs memory and, as it progresses, interferes with the ability to reason, understand and control behavior.
There are also other types of dementia that can also cause memory changes, especially in the elderly, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson’s dementia or Lewy body dementia, for example, which must be differentiated by the doctor.
How to deal with: after confirming the disease, the neurologist or geriatrician can start anticholinesterase medications, such as Donepezil, in addition to recommending activities such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy, so that the person can maintain their functions for as long as possible. Learn how to identify and confirm whether it is Alzheimer’s disease.
How to improve memory naturally
Eating foods rich in omega 3, such as salmon, saltwater fish, seeds and avocado, for example, helps to improve memory and concentration, which is why you should focus on a healthy, balanced diet that contains the right foods.
Check out other examples of foods that improve memory in this video by nutritionist Tatiana Zanin:
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